Amma Ji

by Rajender Krishan

Amma had faced the colonial
subjugation and suppression;
finally gained independence
only to become a refugee,
a migrant in her own country
in the post-partitioned India

Yet all these drastic transitions
could not shake her verve for life
Amma led her entire clan
with patience and resilience
by simply being and doing
whatever was required to be done

Amma knew her limitations, often
admitting by saying “I don’t know”,
yet placing her hand on her chest
she would assert confidently:
“The One that is always with me
Have no doubt, That One Knows”

Lighting the diya* for the daily Aarti**
Offering gratitude, seeking fortitude
Amma would engrave in our ambience
the Principle that transforms even today
into a blessed and enthralling epoch
each time she walks down my memory lane

*Earthen oil lamp
**Prayer

Read also: Amma | Amma's Gospel
Word | Greetings | Crossroads

Article: Aarti - Om Jaye Jagdish Hare

Illustration by Niloufer Wadia

09-Aug-2020

More By : Rajender Krishan

Views: 1593 Comments: 5

Comments on this Poem

Amma is great! No doubt about it!

Pavalamani Pragasam
10-Aug-2020 08:20 AM

This is encouraging, energizing and inspiring to remember Amma this way.
..during her arduous journey--she not only nurtured us physically and emotionally, but also spiritually , with her daily prayers... instilled 'sanskars' in us.
..feel great and humble at the same time.

Neera Pradhan
10-Aug-2020 01:41 AM

Indeed impression of Amma never leaves the mind and appears often transporting one to thos days of life quite green in mind! Otherwise it is not possible to remember our best tradition and pass on such good things to our children generation after generation! That is human culture! Thanks for sharing!

T A Ramesh
10-Aug-2020 00:21 AM

Who is the fellow burning the diya in the mann-mandira? There had been a norm, a nomenclature of lighting and holding the lamp at eve with the hurriedly-said God's name. In the light of that we are seeing it again, the courtyard, the belief holding us fast and the same persona with so much faith in God and our bases too obscurely again. A portrait of Ammaji, Maanji.

Bijay Kant Dubey
09-Aug-2020 23:31 PM

We hardly ever notice the small and routine gestures of the elderly of our family. But they hold much depth and meaning. They indeed form most emotional memories leaving a touch of reverence for those who made our lives possible.
Here, Amma's character full with self-esteem and confidence born of devotion is so powerfully and masterly portrayed.

SANJAY CHOWDHARY
09-Aug-2020 12:15 PM